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Ramblin' Man fair in Mote Park Maidstone Saturday review

12:09, 21 July 2019

updated: 16:19, 20 March 2020

Although rock music isn't really my thing, I thoroughly warmed to the Ramblin' men and women I met while roaming around Mote Park yesterday.

As I entered the Maidstone arena alongside my friend Nicole, I was a little apprehensive, as I don't listen to any of the bands, I don't have any of the t-shirts and I certainly don't have a beard.

But as we approached the main stage, all my worries went away.

Prog in the Park stage was pretty cool
Prog in the Park stage was pretty cool

Ugly Kid Joe welcomed us with their classic rock melodies and impressive guitar riffs.

Boasting almost 30 million views for just one of their music videos on YouTube, this band has a serious fan base.

Lead singer Whitfield Crane was belting out the tunes and engaged well with the crowd.

This gang of rockers from various parts of the south east were looking forwards to Black Stone Cherry
This gang of rockers from various parts of the south east were looking forwards to Black Stone Cherry

But I was more focussed on the drummer, who was wearing nothing but a pair of luminous green shorts, his long hair swishing around.

Every so often Whitfield would shout "put your hands in the air" and the crowd would wave in sync to the music.

I expected a lot more head banging but the atmosphere was actually very chilled - much to my delight. I concluded the mosh pits must have come later.

Nick and Jack were selling some rather wavy t-shirts
Nick and Jack were selling some rather wavy t-shirts

There were four stages - each flaunting variations of classic, heavy rock.

My favourite was The Rising Stage - by far the smallest at the fair.

A number of up-and-coming bands performed, including Cellar Door Moon Crow.

These guys in the Prog in the Park tent were pretty good
These guys in the Prog in the Park tent were pretty good

With their bushy bears and furrowed brows, this group not only looked the part but sounded it too.

I felt my nose scrunching up and my head bobbing up and down and I thought to myself - I actually quite like this.

The general age range was about 40 to 50, with the odd seven-year-old wandering around, suitably dressed with a gelled mohican and electric blue ear defenders.

Bob, Derek and Slasher - American Civil War reenactors
Bob, Derek and Slasher - American Civil War reenactors

Most bare skin was inked - there was even a tattoo stall on site - I did contemplate getting a little something, but when I realised prices started at £40 I reconsidered.

To be honest, I'm pretty pleased I didn't wake up with 'Rock on dude' slapped across my chest this morning.

As we wandered past the food and drink stalls, with our lagers in hand, we came across a small group of fabric tents and several men not wearing the usual dark t-shirts and leather hats.

Cellar Door Moon Crow performing on The Rising Stage
Cellar Door Moon Crow performing on The Rising Stage

They turned out to be American Civil War reenactors who put on a show each day of the festival.

Black Stone Cherry was at the top of their 'to see' list - I wasn't there late enough to catch them unfortunately.

With sunshine throughout, reasonably-priced drinks and short loo queues, Ramblin' Man not only had some good music, but was an all round enjoyable festival which I would thoroughly recommend.

Stall-holder Yeshi and I wearing some rather delightful bucket hats
Stall-holder Yeshi and I wearing some rather delightful bucket hats
It was perfect festival weather at Mote Park yesterday
It was perfect festival weather at Mote Park yesterday

Check out our review of Friday's set at Ramblin' Man including The Darkness

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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